Hello running world,
I know I know, it has been quite awhile since I have last posted and that is due mostly to my laziness but could also be blamed on the immense changes I have gone through in the last few months. So let me just say this, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (yes it has been that long since my last post). Hmm where to start....
Ah yes, well I have raced a few times since that road mile in Minnesota. I somehow weaseled my way into the US National Road Racing Championships in Alexandria, Virginia. That was quite the learning experience to be rubbing elbows with some of the best that the US has to offer. Also, the distance was 12k (7.45645 miles according to a quick Google search) so to the say the least I was a little out of my element by being there. My fitness wasn't exactly the best but I figured if I could hold onto 5 minute pace I would be in good shape. It was quite humbling when the gun went off and I was promptly dropped in the first half mile though and I naively thought that maybe a few would come back to me if I stuck to my 5 minute miles. Well they didn't but I can't complain too much it was a great experience even if I did finish 20th overall.
Oh almost forgot, around October I decided literally last minute to stick around Michigan, prior plans were Colorado Springs, and moved to Ann Arbor (enemy territory known to all Spartans) to join the Very Nice Track Club headed by one of the greatest coaches in the nation Ron Warhurst. For people who don't know Ron Warhurst (is that possible?) he was the head coach of the University of Michigan for 40 years and has coached multiple NCAA champions, record holders, Olympians etc etc. Currently our group has Nick Willis (2008 Silver Medalist 1500), Dan Lowry (sub 4 miler, NCAA All-American, Olympic Trials Qualifier 5k), Luke Pawlaczyk (US Championship Qualifier 800) Scott Dvorak, Larz (kinda weird to call him Matt), Brendon Blacklaws, Adam Kern and Ian Boyle. It's been great training and learning immensely from Ronnie and all the guys. It took some getting use to being in the enemy territory but I'm glad I have stuck around.
Training has been quite interesting to say the least the past few months. I have had pockets where I have had no motivation to train and pockets where it has been the best training of my life. I think I am getting to the point though where there is balance and I'm finally firing on all cylinders.
So yeah indoor track season is finally upon us and I'm already 3 races in. The first 2 have been nothing to speak of, just some rust busters but last week most of our group traveled out to Boston University to race and it was quite successful for the lot of us. Some of us came away with PRs and some USA Indoor Track and Field Championship qualifiers.
Dan Lowry ended up hitting the standard in the 3k with a very solid season opener of 8:00 (4:16 pace for those math nerds) and I was fortunate to hit the qualifier in the mile running another, yes another, 4 flat mile. 4:00.83 to be exact. For all of those counting out there, that was my fifth time running 4 flat. So yeah I have yet to break 4 still but this time I'm confident it will happen. Before that race I had been on the track only 3 times for a workout and I led most of the race from 800 on out. Also, we were pretty slow at 800 (2:03) and 1000 meters (2:33-2:34).
Here is a link to the race: http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/250915-BU-John-Thomas-Terrier-Invitational-2014/video/731302-M-Mile-H01#.Uu6fDShhtnc
Other than that my life has been pretty basic. Just been working for a company that allows me to train at a high level and hanging out with my dudes.
I will continue to keep you all updated though, I promise this time. Is there anything comparable to a pinky promise on the Internet?
--Josh
